BSc single honours Accounting and Finance 2018/19

Year of entry

Alongside the specifics of finance and accounting, this programme gives you a solid grounding in the challenges of managing organisations, information technology and analytical skills.As well as lectures, seminars, and workshops, you will benefit from Christ Church Business School’s extensive links with industry. Guest speakers are regularly invited to address our students, and our ‘Business Futures’ weeks promote interaction with businesses. You will have excellent opportunities to under take work placements, supported by a dedicated placement officer.Christ Church Business School recognises the importance of professional body accreditation and the programme is structured to allow you to gain exemptions from major accounting bodies.

91% of our most recent Accounting/Finance students were satisfied with the quality of their course.

National Student Survey 2018

The single honours Accounting and Finance programme is structured so that you have opportunity to apply for exemptions from major accounting bodies: ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, CIPFA, and CPA Australia. Knowledge, critical analysis and interpersonal skills are developed through lectures, seminars, workshops and a variety of assessment modes. These satisfy academic, professional, and commercial requirements.

Guest speakers are regularly invited to address our students, with our ‘Business Futures’ weeks promoting student interaction with businesses and accounting firms, enhancing employability. The Business School has links with a variety of professional bodies and there are many opportunities for work experience to prepare you for future employment.

Our experienced team has created an engaging course which captures the diversity of this topical area, developing an understanding of both the national and the global dimensions of this discipline. Our Business School courses provide a sound and relevant educational foundation for an array of roles in industry, practice, the service sector or self-employment.

This course is for you if you are looking to develop the necessary skills and knowledge of contemporary business to enable you to work within the accounting and finance field.

However, the variety of material we cover will help to boost your range of transferable business skills to embark on a career in any sector of the economy including communication, IT, research and team-working, which are essential for any career in any organisation. The course will also help you develop the knowledge necessary for postgraduate study and career development.

“Before starting university I wasn’t sure what I specifically wanted to go into, but I knew it was within the spectrum of Accounting and Finance. Since doing this course I’ve realised that I like the investment side of finance and this will help guide and shape my future.”

The first year of the Accounting programme provides a solid grounding in the challenges of managing organisations, information technology and starts to develop the analytical skills that are required by employers. In years two and three there are a variety of core modules which prepare you for a professional career in accounting and finance. The option modules provide you with the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the business world.

We offer our students the opportunity to spend a year on professional work placement which is supported by a dedicated placement officer within the Business School.

You will also have the opportunity to take the work-based learning module in year two designed to help develop students’ skills in seeking and obtaining a work placement or internship of a minimum of three weeks’ duration.

We also ensure that industry stakeholders regularly contribute to the lecture programme to enhance your experience.

Year one

Core modules

Financial Accounting for Professionals (20 Credits)

The module provides students with an understanding of accounting with a focus on limited liability companies. It introduces students to key accounting topics. A firm understanding of double-entry is established and then used to graduate to the preparation of financial statements for primate limited companies. The accounting framework is introduced and its importance to the users of accounts discussed.

Economics (20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamental economic issues stemming from the scarcity of resources. The relationship between business and the economic problem is analysed by means of micro and macro-economic models to equip students with an understanding of decision-making at the levels of the market, the firm and the nation.

Business Analysis (20 Credits)

The module is designed to help students develop a range of statistical and computing skills that will be valuable to them during the course of their academic programs and in their future careers in business. Although there are no pre-requisites for this module it is assumed that students have basic mathematical skills.

People Management in the 21st Century (20 Credits)

This module focuses on the behavioural aspects of people management in organisations. This is a vital area of study because the ability to understand behaviour in the workplace is a necessary prerequisite for making informed choices and for influencing organisational action such as decision making regarding organisational objectives, and leading and influencing the behaviour of others in order to see that the decisions are implemented. It is anticipated that by the end of the module students will be able to evaluate objectively and understand organisational behavioural situations and determine the best course of action from a range of perspectives.

Contemporary Business Issues (20 Credits)

The module will provide an introduction to introductory business concepts and models and the information sources needed to research, analyse and apply these concepts to the practice of business. It includes an overview of contemporary and emerging business themes including the changing macro-environment, emergence of new economies and inter-relatedness of the global trade, the structure and organisation of different industry sectors e.g. services, SME’s. It will provide an introduction to issues of sustainability, enterprise, innovation, corporate social responsibility and the impacts of globalisation on different business sectors.

Marketing Principles and Practice (20 Credits)

The module develops student understanding and then provides a forum for critical analysis of the application of marketing techniques in international, multi-national, and global market situations. Emphasis is given to the relative importance of political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and regulatory, and environmental issues as they apply to (changing) country-specific and regional contexts. Market research techniques and practices develop student understanding of market entry and market sustainability techniques as aspects of competitive advantage.

Year two

Core modules

International Financial Reporting (20 Credits)

International Financial Reporting (NFR) extends the scope of Financial Accounting for Professionals to more advanced topics in Financial Accounting. It aims to develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying accounting standards particularly in the preparation of financial statements of entities, including groups. Understanding the theoretical framework and how to analyse and interpret financial statements are essential. Financial reporting deals with the preparation of financial statements. These provide information about the financial performance and financial position of the business to which they relate. They are of value to a wide range of users. This module explains the rules that govern the preparation of financial statements for organisations that comply with international standards.

Management Accounting (20 Credits)

Management Accounting introduces and develops an understanding of the fundamental concepts and techniques of management accounting and applies these techniques in an appropriate way. It also develops students’ ability to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of these techniques. The module demonstrates how management accounting information may be used for the purposes of planning, decision making, performance measurement and control within organisations, in order to further the organisation's strategic objectives.

Foundations of Finance (20 Credits)

The module will examine how practical techniques and tools used within a corporate setting forms part of a wider understanding of financial management. This will involve exploring the principles of financial management in maximising shareholder wealth. Its focus on the sources of finance and appraisal techniques of investment projects will be addressed first. Decisions on capital structure and management along with dividend policy are issues that students will cover as key factors in company valuation. Frequent reference to the financial crisis will be a feature of this module. This will be looked at in relation to the constantly changing environment and how this impacts on the financial management of different types of organisations. The nature of financial markets and financial risk faced by corporations will be examined as well as the pricing of financial assets using asset pricing models.

Work-Based Learning (20 Credits)

The module develops students’ skills in seeking and obtaining a work placement or internship of a minimum of three weeks’ duration. It also develops in students their skills in learning from work experience and applying academic learning to the work place. The overall aim of the module is to improve their success in graduate job search which forms part of our commitment to employability in the Business School.

You will need to choose two options from the following modules:

Corporate and Business Law (20 Credits)

Corporate and Business Law develops knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework, and of specific legal areas relating to business, recognising the need to seek further specialist legal advice where necessary; and of compliance with the codes of ethics for professional accountants. This module develops knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework. It examines specific legal areas relating to business, and develops an appreciation of the legal environment, particularly promoting the ability to recognise the need for further specialist legal advice where necessary.

Human Resources Management (20 Credits)

This module aims to equip students with the ability to understand and analyse core HRM concepts, operational Human Resource activities and responsibilities and relate these to a range of organisational contexts.

E Business (20 Credits)

The aim of this module is to explore the business paradigm shift that arises from application of emerging information and communication technologies. The module is aimed at anyone wishing to gain an understanding of business activities and interaction between business and the business environment (customers, suppliers…) and how technologies can be deployed to enhance these activities.

Project Management (20 Credits)

This module aims to examine critically the role of Project Management within a contemporary business context. It also explains how specific project management applications play an important role in producing successful business outcomes and examines the philosophies, principles, structures and methodologies of Project Management.

Research Methods (20 Credits)

The aims of the module are to introduce students to the relationship between business and the challenges and opportunities of business sustainability, and to encourage the development of enterprising skills to meet these challenges.

Developing Sustainable Enterprise (20 Credits)

This module is designed to enable students to develop their skills and expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and to independently design and conduct an effective piece of research.

Management and Leadership (20 Credits)

The module explores the context within which management and leadership takes place; the historical context within which the fundamental principles of management arise; the context of the external environment which impacts on organisational strategy and may cause ambiguity in relation to organisational objectives, policies, working practices, ethical considerations and management approaches. It also explores a range of different perspectives on management and leadership and focuses in on particular managerial/leadership issues that lead to ambiguities and problems.

Year three

Likely core and optional modules

Financial Management (20 Credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of corporate financial issues and an understanding of the treasury function and corporate financial strategy. The module will consist of a review of financial techniques which will need to be employed in assessing corporate performance, and introduce new methods of assessing corporate success. The consideration of financial risk management and the various instruments and techniques that are available to business executives will be covered in some depth e.g. portfolio theory, interest rate exposure, currency rate exposure etc.

Another key area of study will be the workings and implications of the Stock Exchange, both in relation to the shareholders and to the business organisations and financial markets. Sources of appropriate funds will be identified and evaluated. The cost of equity capital will be calculated using the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM).

Audit and Assurance (20 Credits)

Audit and Assurance plays a vital role in accounting. This module (AUD) introduces the students to key auditing techniques. The importance of the audit function with regard to the independent examination of financial information of any entity, whether profit oriented or not, and irrespective of its size or legal form, is explained. The skills necessary to carry-out such an examination are applied, with a view to developing the knowledge necessary to express an opinion thereon.

Taxation (20 Credits)

Taxation plays an important role in society. This module (TAN) provides an introduction to the most common taxes in the UK; Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT and Capital Gains Tax. The basic rules are explained, and the taxes are discussed in the context of Government policy.

You will need to choose three options from the following modules:

Contemporary Accounting Issues (20 Credits)

Contemporary Accounting Issues (CAI) develops a critical perspective of the developments in company accounting and disclosure. It explores the evolution of International Accounting Standards and their implications for users. The module reviews controversial issues in the treatment of accounting transactions and develops the skills required for the interpretation of accounting and other relevant information.

The module will build on students existing knowledge of the preparation and analysis of financial reports for business entities. It will contextualise the role of the accountant as a professional steward and analyst by exploring the professional and ethical duties and responsibilities of the accountant to the stakeholders of an organisation. The financial reporting framework and financial reporting requirements in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice and relevant standards will be examined. The accountant’s role in assessing and advising on the implications of accounting regulation will be discussed. The module will critically evaluate current developments in corporate reporting.

Strategic Management (20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the impact of the business environment and the resources of the organisation, both human and material, on strategic planning and choice. This will enable students to consider strategic alternatives, evaluate their suitability and make them aware of the complex issues involved in implementing strategy and managing strategic change.

Business Ethics (20 Credits)

The module will consist of a broad syllabus addressing practical considerations of the nature of ethics, progressing through learning of a range of traditional and post-modern ethical theories, and the appreciation of these theories in the practical setting of modern business processes. Students will study topics such as Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainability and the environment, professionalism & integrity, ethics & technology, financial scandals, whistle blowing and other emerging issues, by reference to case studies.

Investment Analysis (20 Credits)

The module ensures that students can apply appropriate knowledge, theory and understanding required to assess client’s current financial position and future requirements, make suitable investment recommendations, monitor performance and respond appropriately to changing needs and circumstances. This would in the first place, require students have an understanding of market infrastructure, operation, regulation and practice.

Individual Study (20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of a particular line of enquiry related to a business issue selected by the student.

Service Management (20 Credits)

The module will acquaint students with the complex demands made upon service management organisations and the challenges that staff within them face. An understanding of the environments in which they operate will be developed and an appreciation of the different constraints placed upon them will be explored. The module will exam the range of alternatives that organisations can draw from and will include an investigation into the issues associated with service management across a wide range of situations. This will include the process of servitisation, managing the service encounter, service quality, service level, customer management and capacity management.

Knowledge Management (20 Credits)

The module will cover the nature of knowledge. Epistemological issues, including typologies of knowledge, and the distinction between tacit and explicit knowledge will be examined as will the sources of knowledge. Knowledge as an intangible asset will be explored as will the measurement and evaluation of the contribution of knowledge to the strategic management of the organisation and the role of knowledge in business functions. In addition, the module will examine ethical issues in knowledge management and the nature and protection of intellectual property.

New Venture Creation (20 Credits)

The module aims to provide a practical perspective on the development and planning processes involved in the creation of a new venture, either as a new business start-up or as a new product or service development within a public or private organisation setting. It aims to develop an understanding and awareness of business models underlying successful new business ventures, and the potential of business model innovation.

It will explore the fundamental building blocks of a business model, the interrelationships between the building blocks and the links to the external business environment, and aims to arrive at a detailed operational and financial feasibility study that assesses the real potential of the new venture creation project.

Dissertation (40 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide students with the opportunity for the practical application of theory to a business oriented problem and to develop research skills.

Public Relations (20 Credits)

This module aims to develop in students a theoretical and practical understanding of the role of PR in building relationships with stakeholders and gain an appreciation of the strategic and specialist roles of PR.

100% of our most recent Accounting students were in jobs or further study 6 months after finishing their course.

Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016-2017

Many graduates go on to study accounting at professional level. However, these exceptionally versatile degrees open doors to a variety of roles in business. Excellent mentoring by our experienced team will guide and prepare you for your first business or professional accountancy role.

Each module will involve 200 hours of work with 50 of these being contact time (lectures and seminars) and the rest self-directed study which includes preparation for and the production of assessments.

The majority of staff have worked as practitioners. As well as teaching, the team is also actively involved in research, knowledge exchange and cross-cultural teaching at institutions in other parts of Europe.

A wide variety of assessment methods are employed to develop both your academic and professional skills. This will involve the use of essays, reports, examinations, presentations, computer-based projects and case studies.

Accordingly, assessment procedures will take account of not only your newly-acquired knowledge but also the process of developing your skills and the ability to apply these in the world of work.

The Business School recognises the importance of professional body accreditation, to ensure that not only do we deliver well researched courses, but also that our students meet the professional expectations of prospective employers and have the opportunity to gain professional body qualifications.

Accounting and Finance at Christ Church holds all available exemptions from Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), CPA Australia, and the majority of exemptions from Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

If you plan to pursue a professional accounting qualification post-graduation, the exemptions expedite your chosen professional qualification, and appeal to prospective employers.

We also offer modules accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM). Our Project Management module was the first from a university to gain accreditation and exemption for its teaching and assessment.

The Business School has accreditation with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The year two modules of Management and Leadership, Project Management, Management Accounting and Human Resource Management are accredited by the CMI and on successful completion you will be eligible for CMI Level 5 qualifications in Leadership and Management.

As a student within the Business School, you will have access to our Bloomberg Trading Room. This offers you the chance to gain practical experience of trade floor activities and financial market analysis. We are one of the few universities in the UK offering direct use of Bloomberg data, information and analytics in a dedicated trading room which provides a simulation of what it is like to work on a real trading floor in the financial district.

As an accounting student, you will have easy access to historical data, asset prices, macroeconomic data and financial statement information. You will also be able to develop your own trading strategies and portfolio management styles tailored to your risk profile as part of your hands-on learning experience here in the Business School.

A Business School Advisory Board has been established which includes representatives from across the private and public sector. This encourages employer engagement as the Board engages in discussion about technical content of the curriculum and the development of wider employability skills, the provision of work placement opportunities, guest speakers, live case studies, and workplace visits.